Jieni Taoba has always regarded the islands as her home, whether it be in her Fijian village or the tranquil atmosphere of Niue, which has unexpectedly become her permanent haven.
“I came here in 1979 on a one-year teaching secondment,” Ms. Taoba recalls, reflecting on the beginnings of her career. “I was supposed to stay for just a year, but things changed.”
What was intended as a brief assignment transformed into a lifelong commitment, as the native of Lakeba, Lau became an integral part of the Niuean community. Initially sent by the South Pacific Commission, now known as the Pacific Community, to fill in for a home economics teacher, Ms. Taoba quickly took charge of the school’s department.
Over the years, she advanced to become the principal of Niue High School, influencing the lives of countless students. “I’ve taught almost three-quarters of the island,” she laughs, adding that she often encounters former students during her travels in New Zealand and around Niue.
Ms. Taoba’s experiences between Fiji and Niue illustrate not just her personal journey of adaptation but also the shared stories of many Pacific Islanders navigating diverse cultural identities. After graduating from the University of the South Pacific in the 1970s, she began her teaching career at Laucala Bay Secondary and Nabua Secondary in Fiji before moving to Niue at the age of 22.
Following nearly thirty years in Niue, she spent some time in the United States but returned in 2016 to enjoy her retirement. “I’ve had opportunities to move to New Zealand, where my children live, but something keeps me here. It’s a slower pace of life, and it’s peaceful.”
Although her connections to Fiji remain strong, she acknowledges that Niue has evolved into much more than a temporary residence. “This place has grown on me. My children come to visit regularly, and I like knowing they have a home to come back to,” she shares. Her three daughters and a son now reside in New Zealand, along with her eight grandchildren.
When reflecting on what she misses most about Fiji, her response is straightforward: “Family.” With the loss of her parents and other close relatives, she feels less inclined to return to Fiji, visiting only on rare occasions.
Ms. Taoba spends her days tending to her home and garden, sewing occasionally, and enjoying the natural beauty surrounding her. While she still engages with the local Fijian community, she has passed on much of the organizational responsibilities to younger members of the Fijian diaspora. “The Fiji community here has grown a lot since I first arrived,” she notes.
Despite the changes she has seen in both Niue and Fiji, Ms. Taoba remains rooted in the values of resilience, hard work, and a profound connection to her Pacific heritage. She is content to continue her tranquil life on the island she now calls home.